Uber offers free rides from China Basin as buildings burn

Uber has announced that rides from China Basin, a San Francisco neighborhood where a half-built apartment building and the UCSF Medical Center are currently burning, will be free.

The announcement differs from Uber's traditional approach to emergencies -- including hurricanes and nor'easters -- during which it applies its infamous "surge pricing" system. This is ostensibly meant to ensure that more drivers will brave the dangers to offer Uber's users a ride, but has often been dismissed as a way for the company to capitalize on danger.

The announcement was made by the company's San Francisco community manager in a tweet that read: "There will be no charge for rides from China Basin to ensure those affected by the fire can get home - stay safe, SF."